mint simple syrup is a versatile kitchen staple that’s so easy to make!
You’ll want to have this mint simple syrup on hand all the time!
what is simple syrup?
Simple syrup is a liquid sweetener made by combining equal parts granulated sugar and water over medium heat. The sugar granules dissolve into the water, creating your simple syrup. I wrote about it for the first time in the very early days of this blog, and have shared it many times since!
simple syrup has so many uses!
If you HAVEN’T made simple syrup you’re probably wondering what, exactly it’s used for – and I’m here to help! You may have noticed it at a coffee bar, which is the first place I discovered it. When the water/sugar mixture cools it can be used just like a traditional sweetener – but even better. Simple syrup adds sweetness without that layer of granules left at the bottom of your cup or glass. This is especially lovely in cold drinks like iced coffee and unsweetened iced tea, where those pesky granules never seem to fully dissolve.
But don’t stop there! You can use it in cocktails, to make lemonade, to brush on cake layers to keep them from drying out, and of course (if you’re me) in popsicles.
you can flavor your simple syrups too!
When using simple syrup in recipes it is typically unflavored, so as not to compete with the other ingredients. But there are times where infusing the syrup adds to and enhances the flavor in a recipe, and it can be fun to experiment! I’ve made lavender and ginger simple syrup recipes, along with lime and vanilla. But I only recently made a mint syrup, and now love having it on-hand!
mint syrup is delicious, adding fresh mint flavor, and a great use for leftover (or excess) mint!
If you grow mint, you know that it is a prolific herb – sometimes to the point of excess. Make use of that bumper crop by making a simple syrup!
how do you make mint syrup?
This mint simple syrup recipe is as easy as making plain simple syrup – just bring equal parts water and granulated sugar, along with a generous amount of fresh mint leaves, to a boil. Let steep, strain out the leaves and cool to room temperature. Cover and keep in the fridge to use as needed!
how do you use mint syrup?
I made mint syrup for the first time when researching non-alcoholic cocktail recipes for a client.. But the sky is truly the limit – you can add it to cold melon soups, lemonade, mint juleps, sorbets and more.
this strawberry “mock” mojito is one of our favorite ways to use mint syrup!
I’m so excited once again to be participating in today’s round up with Annie, Cindy and Mary Ann – all about summer cocktails and mocktails!
Noah refers to this as “my drink”, but we all love it – lightly sweet, colorful and so refreshing!
Let me know if you make your own mint simple syrup, and how you use it! And be sure to check out the links, below, for more refreshing summer cocktails and mocktails!
Mint Simple Syrup and Strawberry Mock Mojitos
Equipment
Ingredients
For the mint simple syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
For the strawberry mock mojitos:
- 4 strawberries, sliced
- 1 lime, halved and quartered
- ice
- chilled club soda or mineral water
- mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions
Make the mint simple syrup:
- Place the water, sugar and one cup of mint leaves in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and strain into a measuring cup, pressing hard on the solids to extract all of the syrup. Let cool.
Make the strawberry mock mojitos:
- Divide the sliced strawberries and lime quarters between two drinking glasses, along with 5 – 6 mint leaves. Pour 2 tablespoons of the cooled mint syrup into each glass, and use a muddler or the end of a wooden spoon to muddle the ingredients. Add ice cubes and fill with club soda. Stir, add a mint sprig for garnish and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
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10 Comments
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Hi! I'm Sheri!
Welcome to my little corner of the web where you’ll find easy, delicious recipes, the best kitchen hacks and simple tips for turning your home into a clean haven that is free of toxins. So glad you’re here!
Sheri! This looks gorgeous! And I love knowing that it’s Noah;’s drink! That kid has a sophisticated palate!
Yes, it pairs beautifully with boxed mac and cheese! 🙂
I am totally going to do this!! I need to get mint to grow in our yard. Pinning!
Yay! I never knew mint to be a problem – it grows like a literal weed here! 🙂
Sheri I love this tutorial on how to make simple syrup! It seems pretty easy and I don’t know why I haven’t done it before! I love everything in this drink. It’s perfect for evenings when you don’t want alcohol, but want to have something a bit festive! I hope I can make mine look as pretty. Always love coming by your blog. I learn so much. xo
Aw thank you so much Kim! This comes out pretty every time because of the strawberries – love the ombre effect! Thanks for your lovely comments; it means so much to me! xo
Hi Sheri
When I saw the graphic I knew this was yours! Of course, I cheated and purchased mint symple syrup (well actually it was a gift) I had tons of mint at my former home, but it doesn’t seem to grow well here…too hot in the summer I think. I will save this for later when I can figure it out. As always a fabulous post!!
Thank YOU as always Cindy! Start with just the basic simple syrup if you don’t have mint!!!
Sheri! I had no idea there were so many uses for simple syrup besides the obvious one. On cakes … I had no idea. Love it. Anyway, this is the prettiest mock-tail ever and I’m going to give it a try. Nothing like a cool refreshing drink while savoring these warm days of summer. Cheers! xo
Simple syrup is the unsung hero of recipes! Once you start you won’t stop and you will want it on-hand at all times! Thank you so much!